The newly restored Chapel at Royal Victoria Country Park has been officially opened.

The building, which first opened in 1863, underwent a £3.5 million restoration programme after it was damaged by a fire in 1966. The Grade II building is the last remaining element of the British Army's first purpose-built military hospital.

A Stannah passenger lift was installed in the refurbished facility to allow access for people of all mobilities

The eight-person traction lift is Equality Act 2010 compliant and complements stair access to bring freedom of movement between three floors for people of all mobilities.

From the ground-floor reception and free exhibition to the first-floor viewing gallery and second-floor tower access, the lift ensures that everyone can appreciate the Chapel. 


Situated in an existing stairwell, the lift had to be installed within Historic England guidelines: the guide brackets could not be fitted to the Chapel's historic walls, so the lift was supplied and fitted within Stannah's FX structure—a cost-efficient, shaft-within-a-shaft solution that overcomes such obstacles.

This BS 9999-compliant evacuation lift plays a vital role in an evacuation strategy by a designated warden for those less ambulant.

Stannah Marketing Manager, Jo Monro, said: "The Stannah passenger lift installed as part of the Chapel's restoration illustrates our capability to deliver access solutions to niche sectors throughout the UK, including Historic England listed buildings and the constraints this may impose."

As with all Stannah lift products, this passenger lift is covered by Stannah's comprehensive lift service plan, which includes six service visits in the first year, with continued lift maintenance by the Southern England branch of Stannah Lift Services, part of a nationwide network providing comprehensive lift servicing and support.